An inguinal hernia is a common condition that occurs when a part of the intestine bulges through a weak spot in the abdominal wall in the inguinal canal, which is located in the groin area. Inguinal hernias can cause discomfort and pain, and if left untreated, can lead to more serious complications such as bowel obstruction or strangulation.
Inguinal hernia repair is a surgical procedure to fix the hernia. The goal of the surgery is to push the protruding intestine back into the abdominal cavity and repair the weakness in the abdominal wall. Inguinal hernia repair can be done through an open surgery, in which the surgeon makes a large incision in the abdomen to access the hernia, or through a laparoscopic surgery, in which the surgeon uses a laparoscope (a thin tube with a camera at the end) to access the hernia through small incisions in the abdomen.
The specific details of the surgery will depend on the size and location of the hernia and the general health of the patient. In general, the surgery involves the following steps:
- Anesthesia: The patient will be given a general anesthesia to put them to sleep during the surgery.
- Incision: The surgeon will make an incision in the groin area to access the hernia. If the surgery is being done laparoscopically, the surgeon will make several small incisions in the abdomen.
- Repair: The surgeon will push the protruding intestine back into the abdominal cavity and repair the weakness in the abdominal wall. This can be done using suture (stitching) or mesh (a thin sheet of synthetic material).
- Closing the incision: The surgeon will close the incision with suture or staples.
Inguinal hernia repair is a relatively safe and common procedure, and most people can return to their normal activities within a few weeks after the surgery. However, it’s important to follow the instructions of the surgeon and the healthcare team to ensure a smooth recovery.